Speaking: Fluency & Coherence B1
Developing Longer Turns
Listen to the example talk and key phrases.
Structuring a One-Minute Talk 🏗️
To speak for a longer turn, you need a clear structure. This helps you organize your ideas and helps your listener follow. Let's look at a structured answer to the question: "Describe a place you have visited that you really liked." Click 🔊 on each part to hear it.
"I'd like to talk about Kep province, on the coast of Cambodia. I really enjoyed it for a couple of reasons."
"The main reason I liked it was the peaceful atmosphere. By that, I mean it's very different from a busy city. For example, you can just sit by the sea and listen to the waves, which is very relaxing."
"Another thing I loved was the food, especially the fresh seafood. You can buy crabs directly from the market and have them cooked right there. I remember eating the most delicious crab with Kampot pepper."
"So, all in all, if you're looking for a beautiful, relaxing place with amazing food, I would definitely recommend visiting Kep."
How to Build Your Main Points: The P.E.E. Method 📝
A great way to build the main body of your talk is with the "P.E.E." method for each idea.
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PPoint
State your main point or idea. "Another thing I loved was the food."
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EExplain
Explain what you mean in more detail. "By that, I mean the seafood was incredibly fresh."
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EExample
Give a specific, personal example. "For example, I remember eating delicious crab with Kampot pepper."
Tips for Better Delivery
🎤 Pacing and Pausing
In a longer talk, your pacing (your speed of speaking) is very important.
- Slow down and pause when you introduce a new main point. This gives the listener time to follow your structure. (e.g., "The main reason I liked it was... [pause] ...the peaceful atmosphere.")
- You can speak a little faster when giving an exciting example.
- Use linking words (like 'Also', 'Next', 'Finally') to connect your ideas smoothly.
Practice Activities 🎯
Activity 1: Deconstruct the Talk (Self-Check)
Look at the model answer about Kep above. Can you find the "P.E.E." structure in the two main body points (Peace and Food)? Describe them below or think about them.
Show Answer
Peace Point:
- P (Point): Peaceful atmosphere.
- E (Explain): Different from a busy city.
- E (Example): Sit by the sea, listen to waves, relaxing.
Food Point:
- P (Point): Loved the food.
- E (Explain): Especially the fresh seafood; buy from market, cooked there.
- E (Example): Eating delicious crab with Kampot pepper.
Activity 2: Plan Your Talk
Work with a partner or alone. Choose one of these topics: "Describe your favorite holiday" OR "Describe an important person in your life". Use the P.E.E. method to brainstorm and write down two body points for your talk.
(Example for Holiday: P - Relaxing time. E - No work/school stress. E - Slept late, watched movies.)
Activity 3: One-Minute Presentation
Using your notes from Activity 2, give a one-minute talk to your partner or record yourself. Remember your introduction, two main points (using P.E.E.), and conclusion. Use the Key Phrases below!
Key Phrases for Structuring a Talk (Click 🔊)
- I'd like to talk about... A formal phrase to introduce your topic.
- The main reason is... A phrase to introduce your most important point.
- Another thing is... / Also,... Phrases to introduce your second point.
- By that, I mean... Use this to explain your previous point more clearly.
- For example... / For instance... Use this to give an example.
- I remember... A phrase to introduce a personal memory or example.
- All in all,... / So, basically,... Phrases used to start a summary or conclusion.
- I would definitely recommend... Use this to give strong advice or a suggestion.
Your Fluency Mission ⭐
This week, your mission is to prepare and practice one short, structured talk.
Choose a topic you are passionate about (your favorite movie, your future dream, why Siem Reap is a great place to live). Use the introduction, conclusion, and P.E.E. method to structure your ideas. Practice it until you can speak for about one full minute. Recording yourself on your phone is the best way to check your fluency, pacing, and structure!